The new year is a time when many look forward to making positive changes and Janie Horton, Carter County Turning Point To­bacco Coalition, said thou­sands of Oklahomans plan to do so by quitting tobac­co .

According to the Cen­ters for Disease Control and Preven­tion, tobacco and secondhand smoke contain hundreds of toxic chemicals such as cyanide, arsenic, strychnine and other deadly poisons. As a result, far too many suf­fer from cancer and heart disease.

While giving up cigarettes or smokeless tobacco can be tough, people who make that choice for themselves or their loved ones can find a variety of sources and types of support.

“There’s never been a bet­ter time to quit, with so many options for state-of­the-art treatment and sup­port available,” said Tracey Strader, executive director of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. Those wishing to quit can turn to the Okla­homa Tobacco Helpline, either by calling (800) QUIT NOW (800-784-8669) or visiting www.OKhelpline.com, to re­ceive free coaching over the phone or through the web. Helpline participants also receive materials to help them quit and are eligible for nicotine patches, gum or lozenges.

Since 2003, more than 250,000 people have con­tacted the Helpline. Horton said many of those helped called or logged on from Carter County.

“About 70 people from Carter County registered to receive services from the Helpline in October and November. We anticipate that number will jump with New Year's resolutions. It's a great time to 'break away from the pack," she said.

Another new quit smoking tool is Smokefree TXT, a text messaging program available from www.smokefree. gov. Participants can sign up by texting QUIT or IQUIT to the number 47848.